PEP GUARDIOLA is expecting a tough clash against Arsenal this evening in a match he insisted would be worthy of a final.

Manchester City are hosting the Gunners in an eagerly awaited FA Cup fourth round tie, and the Catalan boss is bracing himself for a stiff test against the Premier League leaders.

Guardiola’s former protege Mikel Arteta has been earning plaudits for guiding the North Londoners to the top of the table this term, and lead City by five points with a game in hand.

Arteta has steered his side through a challenging January to be nominated for Manager of the Month, following victories against bitter rivals Spurs and Manchester United.

However, with the cup clash on the horizon, Guardiola claimed today’s mouth-watering clash against Arsenal would not have a bearing on the title race between the defending Premier League champions and Arteta’s hungry young side.

“It’s a different competition,” asserted Guardiola.

“It’s the FA Cup. It’s a final. And of course, it’s more than Arsenal — it’s about proving ourselves — how is our level?

“When a team makes 50 points in one leg, it’s because they have been the best and they are.

“So we have to prove ourselves, how far away or how close we are and the best way to notice is to perform at our best level.

“Otherwise against a team in that moment, it will be difficult.”

The two managers face each other for the first time during an intriguing campaign so far, and, after serving his apprenticeship under Guardiola at City, Arteta has been the catalyst for an astonishing turnaround with the Gunners, to have them heading the table at the halfway stage.

Underlining their friendship, Arteta described Guardiola as “the best coach in the world,” adding: “I am very happy this season and it won’t change any friendship, how important he is in my life and in my profession.”

“But we both want to win and to defend our clubs in the best possible way. That’s always been the way since day one.”

Arteta also said the pair’s long-term friendship which stretches back to their time at the famed Barcelona academy at La Masia will not suffer from the increased rivalry between the sides – even if the Gunners boss admits he’d rather not be fighting for silverware against his former mentor.

“I had always hoped I would get to fight for the title with him — but I would prefer to be up against someone else,” said Arteta.

“I want the best for him generally and obviously when you are challenging for something like this, then it comes in between. It’s a strange feeling but it is what it is and that’s our challenge.”

With both sides expected to make changes with a nod to the heavy fixture list ahead, which also includes a first league clash between the titans on February 15, Arteta could start signing Leandro Trossard in attack, after the former Brighton forward’s cameo appearance during the 3-2 victory over United last weekend.

New Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior could also be included in the squad, following his move from Serie A side Spezia. The Gunners could be in the hunt for an extra midfielder following Mohamed Elneny’s knee injury picked up during the 2-0 victory at the New White Hart Lane earlier this month that has ruled the Egyptian out for the rest of the season.

While City boss Guardiola says Phil Foden is improving as he recovers from a foot injury sustained in the Manchester derby.

The England international missed the 3-0 win over Wolves as a result of the knock he received during the derby defeat at Old Trafford, but Guardiola confirmed the 22-year-old is recovering well — and could yet train with a view to possible inclusion in the squad against Arsenal.

The match promises an electric atmosphere with Arsenal selling out their entire allocation of cup tickets, totalling 7,802.